Ibrahima Ragis
Unknown Accomplice
In response to the recent string of attacks in Forest Hills, Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz and City Council speaker Christine Quinn, in conjunction with the Center for Anti-Violence Education, held a free self-defense course at the Forest Hills Jewish Center on Wednesday, August 8.
Attendees of the class learned techniques that will enable them to fight back in case of an assault. Over 150 people attended the Wednesday evening class.
“We are all very concerned with the recent string of sexual assaults in our neighborhood,” Koslowitz said in a statement. “But judging from the overwhelming response to today’s self-defense event, our community has clearly stated that ‘we will not be a victim in our own backyard’.”
The man who attacked three women in Forest Hills and one in Corona is still on the loose, and police need the public’s help finding him and identifying an accomplice. Police have identified Ibrahima Ragis as the suspect in four attacks, they say.
• On Saturday, May 19, at 3:30 a.m., the victim, a 19-year-old woman was entering her home in Forest Hills when the suspect, armed with a knife, grabbed her, pulled her into a walkway and sexually abused her. The suspect took money and her phone before fleeing.
• On Monday, May 28, at 3 a.m., a 17-year-old girl was walking in front of her home in Forest Hills when the suspect, armed with a knife, approached her, put his hand over her mouth and dragged her into an ally. The suspect then raped the victim and fled the location.
• On Sunday, June 3, at 2:40 a.m., a 22-year-old woman was entering her home in the Forest Hills when the suspect, armed with a knife, demanded her property. The victim complied and the suspect, after being seen by a witness, fled the location with the victim’s property. There were no reported injuries.
• On Friday, June 22, at 2:30 a.m., a 20-year-old woman was walking in front of 97-11 Horace Harding Expressway when an unidentified man walked up behind her and sexually abused her. The victim, who was walking with a shopping cart, hit him with the cart and the suspect fled. Ibrahima Ragis then ran up to the victim, threw her to the ground and attempted to rape her. The victim fought back and the suspect fled. The victim was brought to an area hospital where she was treated for bruising and lacerations to her body.
Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).
The public can also submit tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting tips to 274637 (CRIMES) and entering TIP577.
All calls are strictly confidential.
